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Current project is a go kart...kind of. We started with a John Deer 140 garden tractor, and a Chrysler Marine engine from a '41 Chris Craft. The rest of the details are a bit sketchy at this point.
   
Here's the engine and lawn tractor The engine by itself. Garden tractor stripped down to the rear axle. It's hydrostat driven.
Rough positioning of engine and rear end. Junior tweaking some metal. We made two frame rails from some 2x2 tubing.
 
This is plan C or D or so... The bolt pattern on the rear wheels is 5 on 4 1/2...perfect for a set of 15 x 12 wheels with some 15 1/2" wide tires. We shortened the frame a bunch. This is the framework to hang the front suspension.
   
This is the bracketry from the John Deere. I cut it down to fit the go kart. And attached. Shot of the steering linkage. It will have a tiller control.
   
Framework for the seat. This is the original  hand crank start bracket bolted
to the flywheel. I will modify it for a driveshaft.
This is the flex coupler from the John Deere.
   
This is the JD driveshaft. The rod on top is how much I shortened it. The flex coupler on the crank bracket. To the right is the end I cut off. A view of where the driveshaft goes. Hydrostat pump
is on the left.
The engine had an updraft carburetor on it, and I can't find a kit for it. I'll use this adapter to use the carb from my '45 Dodge. On to steering. I'm using driveshaft pieces from a Grasshopper lawn mower. This is the quick coupler. The driveshaft is mounted vertically, using the two pillow block bearings from the Grasshopper. The quick coupler is on the top, I'll attach a handle to it, and steer with a tiller. It's also right hand drive.
I welded this arm onto the front steering. I'll make a drag link to go from here to the bottom of the Grasshopper driveshaft. Framework for the right floorboard. This will have an electric fan, so I need a 12 volt alternator. a 100A Leece Neville should work nicely. I'll drive it from the boat driveshaft coupler.
   
The engine on the way to the car wash. Nice and clean...ready for paint. A coat of primer.
Green metalflake. This is my first attempt
at 'flaking something.
A close up of the flake.
Click for larger picture.
The frame ready for paint.
The frame is painted John Deere semi gloss black. Hydrostat cover is back on, with the hydraulic
bypass valves all fixed.
Seat frame and floor pans before paint.
The seat is getting stitched up with white
marine grade vinyl.
Starting re-assembly. Engine in, new front tires
and Cragar S/S's.